History Index
Paleolithic Age
The geological era known as the Pleistocene extends from 2 million years ago to 10,000 years ago, and it is divided into the Pleistocene and the Holocene thereafter. During the Pleistocene, large animals such as mammoths migrated to the Japanese archipelago from the continent, and it is believed that humans followed in pursuit. The Japanese Paleolithic era is considered to have occurred from the time when humans migrated to the Japanese archipelago until around 14,000 BC when agriculture began.
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Jomon period
The period from around 14,000 BC to around 300 BC is referred to as the Jomon period. During this era, warming temperatures led to the melting of glaciers, causing the Japanese archipelago to become separated from the continent. While agriculture and animal husbandry had already begun in other parts of the world, the Japanese archipelago remained primarily reliant on a gathering-based economy during this time.
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Yayoi Period
Around 300 BC, Japan finally transitioned to an agricultural economy. The period from around 300 BC to 250 AD is known as the Yayoi period, named after the pottery used during that time. Yayoi pottery is characterized by being thinner and harder compared to Jomon pottery.
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Kofun Period
From around 250 AD to 600 AD, the era in Japan characterized by the construction of numerous burial mounds, primarily keyhole-shaped mounds known as "kofun," is referred to as the Kofun period. The prevalence of similar keyhole-shaped mounds across various regions during this time suggests the formation of a political alliance under the Yamato government.
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Asuka Period
The Asuka Period refers to the era from 592 to 710, during which the imperial capital was located in Asuka.
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Nara Period
The Nara period refers to the 84-year period from 710, when Emperor Genmei moved the capital to Heijo-kyo, to 794, when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo.
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